About PTM / Prothymosin:
Prothymosin is a protein that regulates the production of erythropoietin (EPO) in the kidneys. It is responsible for the production and release of EPO. Prothymosin has been extensively studied in animals but not as much in humans. The only study done on humans showed that prothymosin levels were higher during a period of hypoxia than during prolonged normoxia.
PTM Function
Prothymosin alpha helps erythrocytes to mature, which is part of the PTM gene. It is involved in the regulation of the production of hemoglobin and for iron storage in the bone marrow. This protein is mainly found in blood cells and plays an important role in stabilizing the cell membrane. It aids in the synthesis of hemoglobin, DNA, and RNA. In addition, it prevents apoptosis or programmed cell death by stabilizing intracellular proteins.
Prothymosin Interaction
Prothymosin also interacts with tropomyosin. Tropomyosin is an actin-binding protein. This interaction prevents myosin from binding to actin filaments, which aids in the regulation of muscle contraction and relaxation. Proteins that have an interaction with Prothymosin include. Myoglobin, Creatine kinase, Phospholipase A2, and Carbonic anhydrase.
PTM Structure
The structure of prothymosin is made up of two independent chains that are joined by a disulfide bond. The chains are antiparallel and twisted around each other, forming an alpha helix. One chain contains 16 amino acids, while the other has 12 amino acids.
Prothymosin Mechanism
Prothymosin is involved in blood clotting. This protein has two forms, prothymosin alpha, and prothymosin beta. Prothymosin alpha has been found to be a part of the coagulation cascade, which activates the system that leads to clot formation.